My Dad's Tape Drawer (Part 1)

I didn’t grow up with the Beatles. I listen to them occasionally now, out of curiosity, but I can’t say they’ve shaped my life the way Michael Jackson has, for instance. My musical upbringing was shaped by what found its way to me. In Morocco, the only music we could access was what was global enough to reach our underdeveloped little corner of the world. A significant part of my musical foundation came from my dad’s tape drawer, a treasure trove of over 50 cassettes that became my personal pantry. I would play those tapes endlessly, flipping through their booklets, soaking in the lyrics and artwork. One cover, though, haunted me: In the Court of the Crimson King. The artwork was mortifying, I couldn’t bring myself to listen to it. Forget it. But everything else became the building blocks of my musical taste, shaping and defining it for years to come.

Easy Lover - Phil Collins

I remember dancing to this song in the living room of our apartment in Morocco. I didn’t know shit about music back then. Must have been like 6 or 8 years old. The rhythm was so infectious, I couldn’t help my body. It’s one of those songs I just have to listen to every few years or so, just to revisit that feeling, and pretend I’m Phil Collins on the drums. His fills on this one are so potent. And don’t get me started on Philip Bailey’s part. Before I knew anything about Earth, Wind and fire. But to be completely honest, I was relieved to hear Phil’s voice on the pre chorus again. His energy is radiant like a thousand suns.

Don’t Stand So Close to Me - The Police

My father had all these tapes back in the 80s. He had like 2 or 3 albums by The Police. And I had my go-to album: Zenyatta Mondatta. The first song on the album was all it took for me to keep going back for more. That synth drone in the beginning, drums, and then that guitar riff comes in, topped by Sting’s vocals, it was like being in a movie. Something was happening inside me, in my mind, I couldn’t explain it. I forgot to mention I had absolutely no idea what Sting was talking about: I couldn’t understand English at the time. (Newsflash: my mother tongue’s actually French). But I still caught the feels. I would only listen to the first song though. Wasn’t interested in the rest. Much later (like 30 years later) I stumbled upon that album on spotify, by pure chance. I had forgotten it was “that” album. So I play the first song, and BOOM! Same exact effect. I was transported to the time I was dancing over my folks’ dresser as a 6 year old. (this actually happened). But then, I discovered there was more to the album than just the first song. What a masterpiece that album is… top to bottom. I recommend it again and again.

No Vivere - Gipsy Kings

Back when the walkman was a thing, I used to bring that thing everywhere with me. I was fond of the idea of Experiencing the world around me through music. Like having my own soundtrack play to what I was seeing. One of my earliest soundtracks was Gipsy kings’ very best-of album. I specifically remember one time, the music clicked perfectly with my whereabouts. The location, Rabat’s Oudayas. It was around noon, beautiful sun out, vivid blue skies. Middle of summer. The music imbued the place with a mystique I couldn’t describe. I knew deep inside I was the only one experiencing those feelings right there and then, and that made it all the more special. No Vivire especially captured that nostalgia perfectly. It awakened this feeling of longing, and belonging all at the same time. It takes me back to that moment every time without fail. Overall, I think this group is one of the reasons I feel music as intensely as I do.

Missing You Now - Michael Bolton

Now this one, I don’t know where to start. You know when you’re an 8 year old boy, you’re only interested in eating, playing and pooping. One day, my cousin, who was like a big brother to me, made me a few tapes. One of them was Michael Bolton’s Time, Love & Tenderness album. I popped that in the walkman, and walked into the sultry world of soul music. It goes without saying that Bolton’s voice is like a balm for the soul. The raspy tone, crazy wide range, and power. You can’t not be moved. The first song in the album, Love is a wonderful thing upbeat, was probably foreshadowing what I was about to be introduced to. Second song, I’m like ok, this is nice, pure 80s sound, movie worthy. I’m down. But then. Then, the third song, a saxophone melody opened within me a new dimension. It was like falling in love for the first time. Or at least, it awakened in me this desire of feeling this again and again. I probably listened to this album like 50 times that year, multiplying the amount of hormones in my blood flow as a result. That’s when I knew, without the shadow of a doubt, that I needed a girlfriend. Thanks Michael Bolton.

Leave Me Alone - Michael Jackson

I remember being in the living room one time. It was about 7pm, time for the music program on national TV, the highlight of my evening. This video by Michael Jackson came on. The music sounded familiar because I knew I heard it on tape. But the video took it to another place. It was mind bending to say the least. I was caught in some kind of hypnosis, it was like taking a ride at the amusement park. Except even more psychedelic. The music matched the visuals perfectly. Weird subconscious symbolism and imagery that didn’t make any sense to me back then. And I loved it! Now whenever I hear the song, it conjures back those visuals, as if I’m peaking into my deep subconscious memories.